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Astronaut Scott Carpenter to return to Boulder for rededication of park

By Mitchell Byars, Camera Staff Writer

Posted:
09/07/2012 03:14:44 PM MDT

Updated:
09/07/2012 08:44:59 PM MDT

Scott Carpenter is dripping wet after being pushed into the water during the dedication of the Scott Carpenter Pool in Boulder in 1963. (Photo courtesy of Carnegie Branch Library for Local History)

Astronaut Scott Carpenter will return to Boulder to attend the rededication of the park named after him, city officials announced this afternoon.

Scott Carpenter Park, at 30th Street and Arapahoe Avenue, opened in 1963. It will be rededicated at a ceremony at 4 p.m. Sept. 20.

Carpenter, 87, will be in attendance.

"We are honored that Commander Carpenter is able to attend this park rededication," said Boulder Parks and Recreation Director Kirk Kincannon in a statement. "As a Boulder native and a truly exceptional American, the city of Boulder is proud of Scott Carpenter and delighted to host this rededication of the park named in his honor."

This year is the 50th anniversary of Carpenter's 1962 flight on Aurora 7, when the Boulder High graduate became the second American to orbit Earth.

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